Gov. Christie Touts Clean Water, Cleared Waterways After Sandy

None of the state's beaches were closed for water quality issues in the post-Hurricane Sandy era this summer, Gov. Chris Christie announced at a press conference in Long Branch's Pier Village Tuesday afternoon.

In making the announcement the governor touted what he said was the state Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) swift action in clearing waterways after the storm.

DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, also at the conference, estimated that 98 percent of the waterway debris incurred by Sandy has been removed.

Christie offered specifics, saying that 96,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the state's waterways and that DEP has also removed over 200 vessels from the water.

Christie also defended criticisms of the Stronger Than The Storm ad campaign, saying that he felt it helped bring tourism back to the Jersey Shore this summer and was not designed as a way to say that everybody is back in their homes.

"It doesn't mean that everything is fixed and perfect," the governor said. "We haven't forgotten about those who have not yet returned to their homes or rebuilt their businesses."